CAMBRIDGE: Employees at Ridgeons have been rewarded for their dedication and loyalty to the company at the group’s annual Long Service Awards, with 85 staff, from branches across East Anglia, celebrating a grand total of 940 years of service between them.

The long service awards provide Ridgeons with the opportunity to honour employees who have served the company for over 10, 15 or 20 years. This year marks the second highest total years of service at the awards since they began in 1998, with three staff completing 20 years of service, 12 staff with 15 years, and 70 staff with 10 years of service.

Long service staff, along with their managers and directors were invited to a special lunch-time reception at the Cromwell Road branch in Cambridge, hosted by Ridgeons’ Group Chairman, Anne Ridgeon and Director, Gordon Ridgeon. At the lunch, employees were presented with personalised certificates signed individually by Anne Ridgeon.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Ridgeon said: “Why does long service mean so much to us? It’s the reason why we continue to be in business. When I am asked why I think we continue to be in business after 100 years, my answer is our long term relationships, with our customers, our suppliers, our communities, and most importantly with you.

She added: “This year we have a double celebration because 2011 marks our 100th year of being in business. A year that allows us to highlight just how important our relationships have been and continue to be for the business.”

Ahead of the awards, on the actual anniversary date when they joined the company, employees were presented with a lapel pin, featuring the number of years of service they have achieved. They were also given a congratulations letter and the opportunity to benefit from generous discounts at Ridgeons’ branches.

Gordon Ridgeon created the Long Service Awards in 1998 to help recognise the service of employees prior to reaching the 25-year service mark, which is already celebrated in the prestigious ‘25 Club’. The club recognises the outstanding commitment and loyalty shown by both full and part-time employees, who have worked for Ridgeons for 25 years or more.